‘There’s nothing more satisfying than former students coming up to you years later to say you positively impacted their career choices’

Here, we talk to current part-time Agriculture Lecturer Tina Hunter-Shaw.

When did you join Riseholme College as a student?

I studied the National Diploma in Agriculture at Riseholme from 1985 to 1988.

Describe your time as a student at the college.

In those days, we were all over 18 years old, there was a very active social life and 90% of students were residential.

We had to do farm duties, which involved working on the dairy, pig unit etc, for a week every month.

Great memories!

What made you return as a member of staff?

I came back to Riseholme as a part-time member of the agricultural lecturing staff after being asked to do so by Lenny Malloy – who was also a student at Riseholme when I was – and Steve Watson for just 10 weeks of maternity cover. That was over 15 years ago!

I find being able to share my experience and enthusiasm for the industry motivates me to keep teaching.

There’s nothing more satisfying than former students coming up to you years later to say you positively impacted their career choices.

How different is it as a member of staff, compared to being a student?

It’s very interesting to think about students today, and link what I learned as a student to courses available now.

Also, I was a student at the old Riseholme Hall site, which was a fabulous campus.

What makes Riseholme special?

Riseholme has always been a name synonymous with agriculture in Lincolnshire. Many previous farming generations have great memories of going to college at the Old Hall, and we’ve all still got many friends and connections that were made in those days.

It’s always had a family feel. Students are younger now – 16 to 18 – but I think many of the ‘agrics’ will still be friends in 30, 40 or 50 years.